Lapatinib-based therapy for women with advanced/metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer

Abstract

Background: Lapatinib alone or in combination with other agents, mostly capecitabine is used for patients with advanced/metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer (HER2+BC) after progression on trastuzumab based therapy. Here we report our experience with lapatinib based therapy in this setting. Material and Methods: 67 consecutive patients received lapatinib based therapy. 58 (86.6%) received lapatinib + capecitabine (LC), 7 (10.4%) with other agents and 2 (3.0%) as single agent lapatinib. Data was collected from patients’ records retrospectively. Results: Objective response to lapatinib based therapy in 64 evaluable patients was 64.0% in all patients and 64.0% in patients who received LC. Median progression free survival and overall survival were 10 and 27 months in all patients and 10 and 17 months in patients who received LC, respectively. 16 (24.0%) patients had dose delay > 1 week and/or dose reduction. Conclusion: Lapatinib based therapy is an effective treatment for women with advanced/metastatic HER2+BC after prior exposure to trastuzumab. It yields meaningful response rates, progression free and overall survival. Some patients require dose adjustments. Key Words: lapatinib-based therapy, metastatic breast cancer, HER2 positive breast cancer, trastuzumab.